Helicobacter pylori enzymes and surface-associated proteins (H. pylori proteins)

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) enzymes and surface-associated proteins are a broad class of bacterial molecules essential for the pathogen's survival and virulence in the human gastric mucosa (Mobley et al., 1995). A hallmark enzyme is urease, which neutralizes stomach acid by producing ammonia, a process vital for initial colonization and a key target for diagnostic urea breath tests (Marshall & Warren, 1984). Surface proteins, including adhesins like BabA and SabA, enable the bacteria to bind specifically to gastric epithelial cells, while secreted toxins such as VacA and the effector protein CagA disrupt host cell signaling and promote inflammation (Cover & Blaser, 1992; Hatakeyama, 2004). These proteins are the primary targets of eradication therapies, which typically combine proton pump inhibitors with antibiotics like clarithromycin and amoxicillin to inhibit bacterial protein and cell wall synthesis (Malfertheiner et al., 2022). Chronic interaction between these bacterial factors and the host leads to significant pathologies, including peptic ulcers and gastric adenocarcinoma (Peek & Blaser, 2002).

Other names

Helicobacter pylori virulence factorsHelicobacter pylori antigensGastric helicobacter proteins

Inhibition of bacterial cell wall synthesis, protein synthesis, DNA replication, and urease activity.